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Written question asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UK Independence Party) on Wednesday, 10 July 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 July 2019. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Monday, 22 July 2019 on behalf of the Home Office.


Emergency Services: Sirens

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 15 November 2007 (HL80), what action they are taking to ensure that drivers of emergency service vehicles (1) are aware of, and (2) abide by, the restrictions on the use of sirens at night when other vehicles are not on the road set out in regulation 99 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

Answer

It is for the emergency services to consider how best to use sirens for maximum effectiveness and minimum disturbance. Subject to the regulations and any guidance from the respective services, drivers of emergency vehicles are expected to use their professional judgment to decide when and where the use of sirens is appropriate.

Drivers ought to be fully aware that sirens must be used with restraint, particularly at night, so as not to cause a nuisance to residents or other road users. There will, however, always be occasions when it is necessary for the emergency services to use sirens in the interests of road safety and the protection of the public.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL17092
Session
2017-19
Related items
Emergency Services: Sirens
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Emergency services Sirens
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk